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Chairman’s Welcome
Welcome to Amersham and Chiltern’s online match programme. A particular welcome to the players, officials, and supporters of our visitors.
After promotion last year, our 1st XV play in the Regional 1 South East league of the RFU’s London and South-East Division. This is Level Five of the RFU pyramid and provides a standard of rugby that is very testing for a club from a relatively small town like Amersham. We are proud to compete here.
Thanks to the vagaries of RFU administration, our 2nd XV is in the South-West Division, and play in the Counties 2 Tribute Bucks, Berks and Oxon South competition. Like the 1st XV, they were promoted last year.
The Third XV play in an informal competition for Bucks third teams, usually under lights on a Friday evening. They provide competitive but social rugby for those who cannot commit to weekly league matches and training.
Like most clubs, we are always looking for new players. If you would like to join in, at any level, please contact our Director of Rugby, Pete Gibson, or get in touch through the club website. Alternatively, go old school and ask at the bar, or speak to anyone involved with one of the teams. You will be very welcome.
As well as our adult sides, we run extraordinarily successful Mini and Junior Sections, providing rugby for age groups from
Under 6 to Under 18. Last year we won the County Cup at every age group. The club is absolutely buzzing on a Sunday, when training and matches take place. If you have a child who would like to try rugby or one who already plays, please contact Ryan Westmacott (Minis) or Richard Clifford (Juniors) - or just bring your boy or girl along.
If you have five minutes before the game starts, please flick through the other pages of this programme and check out our fantastic sponsors. They are all great local companies; without their support it would be very difficult for us to continue. If you could use any of them, and mention where you saw their name, you would be doing the club and the game a real service.
Along with the rugby, we have a full calendar of social events, details of which can be seen elsewhere in this programme, on the website, or on the posters in the clubhouse. Whatever your level of interest in rugby, it’s a great club to be a member of, and we’d love to have you join us.
Huw Thomas Chairman
President: Peter Kenyon; Chairman: Huw Thomas; Hon Sec: Ralph Hayward; Hon Treasurer: Chris Tavender; Membership Secretary: Sandra Hitchman; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Mini Chairman: Ryan Westmacott; Junior Chairman: Richard Clifford
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Centenary Arnhem 80 & Vets Day
Saturday 28 September
Touch Rugby & Lunch
This will be a very special occasion, celebrating our former Chiltern RFC 1XV player
Jack Grayburn on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem. He fought valiantly but was killed on Arnhem Bridge and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Ten years ago, Amersham & Chiltern took 116 members to Arnhem to celebrate the 70th anniversary, including an U15 squad, playing matches against Arnhem Rugby Club - The Grayburn Tour.
We are combining this with the annual Vets Day:
11:00 Vets Touch Rugby kick off 15:00 A&C 1XV v Letchworth
13:00 Lunch in the clubhouse 17:00 The Keelhaulers” LIVE band
Vets Touch Rugby All club members over the age of 35 are very welcome, male and female. The match will be on a half or full pitch, subject to the number of players, with a proper ref and rolling subs. Email Peter Williams at peter@chilterncottage.net to register as a player.
Aperitifs After touch rugby, three birthday boys are sponsoring a barrel of beer - it’s free to touch rugby players and those wearing their fleece or Para badge from the Grayburn Tour.
Arnhem 80 Lunch Open to all club members, a two course sit down splendid lunch for only £25. We hope to have a guest from the Parachute Regiment to say a few words. Diners should pay for their meal ticket over the bar before sitting down and will be collected during lunch. Places are booked individually, no tabless; email Paul Clarke at pastorclarke@gmail.com.
The Keelhaulers - LIVE will fill the clubhouse with their music with ‘Tales of Travels and Songs of the Sea’. They have kindly donated their usual fee to A&C - should be good fun.
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Whether it is a hearty pub lunch by the fire at the Kings Arms, a cosy night in a luxurious suite at the Crown Inn or a stylish celebration under the glittering chandeliers of the Kings Chapel we’d be delighted to have you!
Centenary 1924-2024
CENTENARY UPDATE Amersham &Chiltern Vs Southend Saxons
The centenary season is now well underway so here is an update.
Signs have gone up at the club and soon we will have a wall so you can buy a brick to help support the centenary fund.
Sat 14 Sep 2024
Regional 1 South East
We are finalising payment arrangements for the centenary fund and will
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Chiltern poke the bear and get the tightest hug as welcome to Level 5
‘If you go down to the woods today, your sure of a big surprise If you go down to the woods today, you’d better go in disguise For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain becauseTodays the day the teddy bears have their picnic.’
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC - HENRY HALL - 1907
Following a smooth but quite lengthy coach trip we arrived at Sudbury RFC. With the sun out and sky blue the scene was set with a quite a long-haired pitch rich in wilding with mushrooms (didn’t look magic and some fantastic wildflowers to boot). I recalled David Bellamy one of my ‘botanist’ childhood heroes who would have feasted on the varieties, although not the mushrooms.
As well as a welcome return to level 5 rugby we were welcomed with open arms.
Sudbury are a fine side with a fine pedigree and still on a mighty fine winning streak of 17 games. Last time we ventured to the land of Gainsborough we were ‘nilled’ whilst 38pts were scored for quite a sobering day out in the countryside.
We travelled with a refreshed squad, full of expectation and hope and with probably one of the heftiest squads in Amersham and Chiltern history. Undoubtedly roles reversed as Sudbury looked smaller and distinctly mobile.
From kick off it was A&C who started at pace. With solid set plays and some superb linking of forwards and backs it was Captain Dan Kingsley running in a wellearned opening try. With silence from the
home support and some solid clapping from the few Chiltern groupies I just had a sense of foreboding that we may have just ‘poked the bear’ and made them angry.
And then there was the first sign of some fighting spirit with a terrific play, against the run of play, with Sudbury responding with a high tempo try, involving some great breaks and solid support play.
At 5-5 and a try a piece with 2 missed conversions all very much to play for.
Tom Fawssett our hefty winger then took the opportunity to rampage a little and loosen his considerable hips and thighs with a galloping surge down the wing. Some say he seemed unstoppable. Not strictly correct although the referee deemed there had been some Sudbury naughtiness at the breakdown and without hesitation awarded
MATCH REPORT
another well-deserved try in fact a penalty try. With the score at 5-12 and Sudbury quite grumpy.
All credit though to the home side who with a decent home support ensured a strong finish to the 1st half. Three unanswered tries all following sustained Chiltern pressure and in Sala style Sudbury hit us on the break well executing some superb running and passing tries.
24-12 at half time and Chiltern really needed the first score of the new half.
Again, a decent start from the plucky level 5 newcomers with Sudbury slow to respond.
MATCH REPORT
Again, sustained pressure though ended with another spell of 3 unanswered tries. Heads dipping and a renewed enthusiasm showed why Sudbury had had such a decent winning run.
All credit though to Amersham who did score the final try of the game to make it 43-17. Well done Kaz.
No half century and plenty of positives to take into next week’s Southend home game. Sudbury undoubtedly will be up there at the end and as expected probably one of the best opening fixtures to have for beginning our adventure within Regional 1 South East.
Team:
1. Razvan Dranca
2. Chris Joyce.
3. Doug McGregor-Smith
4. Harry Bradshaw
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Mike Phillips
7. Jordan Scott
8. Kazeem Olayinka
9. Ben Harris
10. Callum Hutchinson
11. Tim Hayes
12. Dan Kingsley
13. Kasper Strugar
14. Tom Fawssett
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Joe Batt
17. Mike Everett
18. Aaron Lewis
fireworks display fireworks display
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
by Huw Thomas
Today we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Southend RFC, who, like us, were promoted to this RFU Level 5 league (London and South East, Regional 1 East) after a very successful season last year. We were in the same league before the flattening restructure of three years ago, so they are old friends and it’s good to see them back at our place again. In fact, we last played them in a competitive match only three games ago, in the group stages of the Papa Johns Cup in May. We lost a hard-fought match at Warners Bridge Park and Southend went on to win the Regional 2 Championship Final at Twickenham: must have been a great day!
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Last week, we travelled over to Sudbury for our first game at this level for some years. Sudbury finished second last year, quite a way clear of the third placed side, and it was easy to see why. We led 7-12 after fifteen minutes, but Sudbury played at a pace and with an intensity our boys had not encountered for some time, and they deservedly won 43-17 in the end. Chiltern never gave up, scoring a try after some intense pressure at the close, and parts of our game, notably the set piece, were strong. New recruits Razvan Dranca, Mike Phillips, Kazeem Olayinka and Kaspar Strugar all showed up well, and we welcome them to the club. However, all the players and coaches were realistic about the game afterwards, marking it down as a ‘learning experience’.
The Second XV, also encountering life at a higher level after promotion last year, had a similarly sobering afternoon, losing 10-48 at home to Henley IIs. Why the second team of a National 2 team are in the same league as us is a mystery to me, but Dave Cole’s men gave a good account of themselves in the circumstances: it will not be like that every week, boys.
The highlight of the weekend was the first game of the reconstituted Third XV, under lights at home to Marlow on Friday night. The concept and the game were a great success. The time-honoured formula of mixing old heads with enthusiastic youngsters worked a treat and Chiltern won 40-14, but just getting the game on was the real triumph. We haven’t had a third team out in the Seniors since before Covid, so this was a huge stride forward.
Further away from the touchline, the players and parents of our U13 team join us for lunch today, for the presentation of their club ties. This occasion marks the boys’ transition from Mini to Junior rugby and has become a significant one in our calendar. The President may or may not be calling on them to tell jokes.
Finally, today is of course the first home match of our Centenary Season. Several commemorative events are planned, including a Centenary Dinner on 12 October, which well over 400 guests will be attending. The first event, however, takes place a fortnight today, with a lunch to mark the eightieth year since Operation Market Garden, when Jack Grayburn, a Chiltern 1st XV player, won the VC at Arnhem. A few places may still be available, so if you’re not already signed up, see Chris Smith. HUW
THE TEAMS
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
1. Razvan Dranca
2. Joe Batt
3. Doug MaGregor Smith
4. Mike Phillips
5. Jaques O’Driscoll
6. Jordan Scott
7. Josh Finch (Capt) 8. Kazeem Olayinka
Ben Harris
Callum Hutchinson
Tim Hayes
Noah Jarvis
Kaspar Strugar
Alex Bower
Ben Pothecary
Charlie Swerling
Mike Everett
Aaron Lewis
Nicholls
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
DOUGLAS MCGREGOR-SMITH
Wee Dougie to many, but Douglas to his family and staff.
With some quite vague directions I’m excited at meeting and sitting down with Dougie and ‘getting deeper’ with our front row pillar and lump of ballast to our scrum. I hear a screech and soon pass pheasant in some woods alongside a ‘Monarch of the Glen’ before finding a castle befitting of Transylvania although set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland. Anyone with a double-barrelled Scottish name must have a home in a Scottish Castle. I’m not
Glenfiddich. ‘Oh Andy I so wish I had a Scottish accent ‘he says in expectation.
Douglas John Howard McGregor-Smith was born to proud parents on the 2nd September 1997. A bouncing baby boy born in a Scottish wood somewhere near a glen he was a big baby with big red cheeks and a lovely smile.
Initially weighing three bags of sugar he has reached a mighty fine 116kg (yes, I was surprised too). He explains that when he gets hungry his first choice is always a ‘sloppy Guissepe’ pizza. When feeling posh his fruit of choice is a strawberry. He finds that the seeds being on the outside fascinating. Washed down with some local
something I think about as I know when the time is right, she will come running to me for a cuddle and a back scratch’ - I do admire his confidence and his style.
The colour green is one he loves, and he goes on and on about it knowing I am a blue nose Rangers supporter. To get in the mood for games he fires up Queen’s ‘Don’t stop me now” as he does have such good times, and he loves having a ball. When not playing rugby in the wind and rain Dougie is a Pimms drinker on the many tennis courts on his estate.
Loving green he remains passionate about London Irish (behind Amersham and Chiltern). He yearns to explore the natural world and enjoys driving his Aston Martin in his dinner suit and tartan tie. For fun he supports Tottenham Hotspur - ‘they really are entertaining Andy and I love big Ange’ - bless.
Fascinating discussion and so pleased to be able to put Dougie under the spotlight. ‘Beef Jerky anyone?’ He shouts as he claps his hands before leaving to powder his nose.
Douglas McGregor-Smith we salute you.
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SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS
Why do we need Sponsors and Advertisers?
The rugby club is run as a charity and in a good year the income from subs and the clubhouse events and sponsors means we just about break even.
This season we celebrate having been active in the local community for 100 years. Our loyal members are very supportive and over the years we have done various fundraising schemes to improve every aspect of the club. The clubhouse itself was the biggest and others have followed such as the solar panels, the new car park and of course the borehole. All of these investments make it possible to start the season.
Peter, pictured here, always in his A&C attire, chatting on match day
Incidentally with our energy costs increasing dramatically we need to focus on ways to become more energy efficient. Pitch maintenance is another big expense, with an extra £20,000 spent this summer on more ground’s maintenance work and nearly £30,000 on clubhouse repairs. We continually invest and the Centenary fundraising offers a great opportunity to make more progress. One reason for doing this is to make the club house the kind of place people will want to use for events, from private parties to corporate away days.
Of course, our sponsors and advertisers are always welcome at the club for lunch on home match days.
So, without the support of our sponsors and advertisers it would just not be possible to contemplate the level of capital expenses we face every year. We have a huge responsibility to our members and to the wider community, we get no external support even though we are one of the biggest sports clubs in the area and provide outstanding pastoral care and specialist coaching to players of all ages and their coaches too.
We recognise that in return for the fantastic support we get we need to work with our sponsors and advertisers to see how we can help them.
Ruthie Brockett, our Sponsorship & Publicity Manager, will be delighted to hear from you with ideas and suggestions. Please contact her on sponsorchilternrugby@gmail.com
Most importantly we want our members to enjoy using the products and services in this programme.
Thank you for supporting our great Club.
Thank you for all your support.
Peter Osborne Director
Entertainer
Entertainer
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Black Tech Zip Hoodies:
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A&C Water Bottle:
A&C Scarves
Odd Ball Hat:
Kit Shop Sale
September 2024 (while stocks last)
30% off Sale Price
Junior: £18.50 (srp £26)
Adult: £23.25 (srp £33.25)
30% off Sale Price
Junior: £17.50 (srp£25)
Adult: £23.25 (srp 33.25)
£5 (srp £7.50)
£12 (srp £17.50)
Kids (Goolies): £5 (rp £13)
Adults: £10 (rp £15)
All other kit shop stock at regular price.
Limited stock on some sale items. While stocks last. SUNDAY
OPEN 10am-12pm rp: retail price srp: sale retail price
